Department for Transport

*No heading*

baroness randerson: Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to spend the £300 million recommended in the GibbReport to improve rail infrastructure by the end of 2018; and if so, whether they willpublish detailsof the planned improvement works.

lord callanan: In January we announced the investment of this extra £300 million for Network Rail to boost the operational resilience of the infrastructure on the Thameslink route. This will be spent by the end of Control Period 5. This project is being delivered by Network Rail and includes a variety of works including replacement of old tracks, points and signalling and dealing with structural repairs in tunnels.

*No heading*

baroness randerson: Her Majesty's Government what is the expected date for the introduction of new rolling stock on the Great Western Mainline; and whether the testing regime for the new rolling stock is proceeding as planned.

lord callanan: Passengers on Great Western are already benefitting from new rolling stock, with more being introduced in the coming months. Class 387 Electric Multiple Units have been in passenger service on the Great Western Mainline since September 2016 from Paddington to Hayes and Harlington; Maidenhead since May 2017 and are then planned to Didcot and Newbury. The current ambition is for the first of the new Intercity Express Programme rolling stock to commence passenger service on the Great Western Mainline from October 2017. From the end of 2018/ early 2019, there will be new AT300 trains running on the London to Penzance Great Western Route. From May 2018 to December 2019 the Great Western Mainline through to Reading will receive the phased introduction of Elizabeth Line (nee Crossrail) services which will also call at Heathrow Airport. The extensive testing regimes for all of these new rolling stock are progressing thanks to the numerous industry partners who are continuing to work in partnership to deliver these state of the art new trains into public service.

*No heading*

baroness randerson: Her Majesty's Government, in the light of criticisms in the Gibb Report, whether they plan to make representations to Southern Rail about simplifying their fare structure.

lord callanan: The government are implementing many of the recommendations from the Gibb Report, however his recommendation regarding fare structures would not be consistent with government fares policy. It is important to get fares reform right and to ensure a clear and consistent passenger proposition. We are working with the Rail Delivery Group and industry to develop a small number of fares trials arising from last December’s fares and ticketing forum. These will enable us to test principles for potential reform and gather invaluable evidence about the best way to proceed.

*No heading*

lord bradshaw: Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the potential impact on journey times between London and Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield of Thameslink's plan to increase the frequency of its services using the Midland Mainline to 16 trains an hour in 2018.

lord callanan: Network Rail and the train operators are currently undertaking the detailed work to develop the 2018 timetable for the Midland Main Line and the industry is working together to minimise any impact from other services. This includes identifying opportunities to improve current services.

*No heading*

lord bradshaw: Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the potential impact on journey times between London and Peterborough, Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh when the Thameslink network is connected to the East Coast Main Line in 2018.

lord callanan: Network Rail and the train operators are currently undertaking the detailed work to develop the 2018 timetable for the East Coast Main Line and the industry is working together to minimise any impact that Thameslink may have on other services. In addition, the planned introduction of brand new Intercity Express trains and upgrades to key parts of the route will mean extra capacity and journey time improvements on longer distance services.

*No heading*

lord bradshaw: Her Majesty's Government, in any consideration of access charges for freight on the railways, what assessment they have made of the potential for any rise in charges to lead to the diversion of maximum weight lorries on to the road network.

lord callanan: The structure of rail freight access charges is a matter for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). As part of the periodic review process for 2018 (PR18) ORR is carrying out analysis looking at the impact of any changes to charges, including their potential to divert freight onto the road network. ORR consulted on the high level options for changes to the structure of charges in December 2016. Government published its Rail Freight Strategy, in collaboration with industry in September 2016. The Rail Freight Strategy set out a framework for enabling the sustainable long-term growth of the industry and highlighted the growth potential in key sectors such as intermodal (containers). The strategy recognised the important environmental and economic benefits of rail freight and signalled the Government’s ambition to support greater modal shift over the long term. It is important that impacts of any changes to access charges on the freight sector are carefully considered to support the aim of the strategy. The Department for Transport will continue to support ORR’s work to develop appropriate track access charges for freight in CP6 (2019-2024) including by understanding the overall impacts of any changes on the industry.

*No heading*

lord bradshaw: Her Majesty's Government how many infrastructure related incidents have occurred on the East Coast Main Line during the last six months which have led to passenger trains being delayed by more than 60 minutes; and what finance is being made available to Network Rail to address those incidents during Control Period 5 and Control Period 6.

lord callanan: The Department for Transport does not hold the information requested regarding the number of infrastructure related incidents on the East Coast Main Line. In Control Period 5, Network Rail plan to spend £3 billion (in 2012-13 prices) on maintaining and renewing the London and North East Route, which includes the East Coast Main Line. The planned spend for Control Period 6 will be finalised later this year.

Department for Communities and Local Government

*No heading*

lord kennedy of southwark: Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the rights of social housing tenants.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: While the Government does not have immediate plans to review the rights of social housing tenants, in light of the terrible tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire, we have been clear in that more attention must be focused on social housing and listening to its tenants. We are determined to do all that we can to make sure that something like this never happens again.Our immediate priority is to support the victims, to find homes for those made homeless by the fire, and to make sure the country's housing stock is safe. The Secretary of State also announced on 5 July that an independent Recovery Taskforce will be appointed to advise the Council on the longer term recovery needs, and will answer directly to the Secretary of State. The Taskforce will remain in place for as long as is required.

*No heading*

lord dunlop: Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made towards concluding City Deals for Edinburgh, the Tay Cities and Stirling.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The Government has welcomed proposals for city deals for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, Tay Cities and Stirling and Clackmannanshire, which following the agreed deals for Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness, will deliver a city deal for every city in Scotland.Negotiations, undertaken jointly with the Scottish Government, are progressing well with Edinburgh and Stirling, and are due to start with Tay Cities over the summer. In terms of concluding the deals, we are working to agree Heads of Terms with the regional partners and the Scottish Government as soon as possible.This Government is committed to promoting and supporting local economic growth across the United Kingdom; and city deals, agreed jointly with devolved administrations and regional partners, are an excellent vehicle for doing so.

*No heading*

baroness mcgregor-smith: Her Majesty's Government how many key workers need accommodation in London; and what is the average gap between their earnings and the cost of owning their own homes.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: Information on the number of key workers that need accommodation in London is not centrally collected.The Office for National Statistics publish data on housing affordability in England and Wales. These show that the ratio of median house price to median gross annual (where available) workplace-based earnings in 2016 was 7.72 in England, and 11.98 in London. The ratio of lower quartile house price to lower quartile gross annual (where available) workplace-based earnings in 2016 was 7.16 in England, and 12.76 in London.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Occupational Pensions: Tax Allowances

lord patten: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effect on relations between the UK and Turkey of the decision in the Turkish Parliament to strip parliamentary immunity from 124 deputies.

lord radice: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people were employed in the NHS in England last year; how many (1) left, and (2) joined, the NHS in that period, and of those who (1) left, and (2) joined, how many were not UK citizens.

lord rooker: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many passport applications have been made using the legend of a deceased person in each of the past six years.

lord sharkey: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much public funding was involved, and on what terms, in the purchase by Greybull Capital of Tata Steel’s Long Products Europe business.

baroness buscombe: The Government does not collect data on the number of workers earning less than the personal allowance who are also members of pension schemes that operate a net pay system. The Government does not hold employee level data on employees enrolled in net pay pension schemes, as such schemes are not obliged to report pension contributions to HM Revenue and Customs. The Government does not, therefore, hold information on the value of tax reliefs paid out to employees in net pay schemes. The latest official analysis of the eligibility of workers for automatic enrolment was published on 13 October 2016 in ‘Workplace Pensions: Update of analysis on Automatic Enrolment’. Information on age and earnings breakdowns for all workers can be found in table 3a on page 6. The Pensions Regulator provides guidance to employers on choosing a pension scheme for their staff in order to discharge their statutory obligations under automatic enrolment. This guidance covers the choice between net pay and relief at source schemes, and the implications of net pay schemes for employees who do not pay tax. Provided an employer has selected a qualifying pension scheme for automatic enrolment, they have complied with their automatic enrolment duties with respect to scheme choice.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the death ofOtto Warmbier, a US tourist who had been imprisoned in North Korea, what advice they are giving to British tourists intending to travel to North Korea; what assessment they have made of UK-run tour companies operating in that country; and how much income they estimate is generated annually by tourism for the regime.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) keeps travel advice under constant review and updates country-specific advice if we are aware of an incident that might significantly affect British nationals travelling to that country. The purpose of travel advice is to provide objective information and guidance to help British nationals make informed decisions regarding foreign travel. Our travel advice for North Korea has noted the arrest and detention of foreign visitors when these incidents have occurred. We have made a further factual update to our travel advice for North Korea that reflect the details of Mr Warmbier's case.The British Embassy in Pyongyang has contact with a number of tour operators as part of our consular work in North Korea. It regularly requests that tour operators make British tourists aware of FCO travel advice before they travel.Due to the closed nature of the regime, it is not possible to accurately assess the income generated for the DPRK government from tourism.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government how they have responded to proposals that North Korea be invited to co-host skiing events at North Korea’s Masikryong ski resort during next year’s Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea; and what assessment they have made of reports that the ski resort was constructed with, and is serviced by, forced labour.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​As my noble friend, the Rt Hon Baroness Anelay of St Johns, confirmed in her reply to written question HL5120, the British Government is deeply concerned by reports of forced child labour at the Masikryong ski resort. The UK has been clear that forced labour is a form of modern day slavery and must be brought to an end. Any decision on offering to co-host events at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics would be a matter for the government of the Republic of Korea to consider. However, an application to co-host Olympic events with another state would require the approval of the International Olympic Committee.

*No heading*

baroness tonge: Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Baroness Goldie on 26 June, when they will decide whether it is appropriate to recognise the state of Palestine, and what conditions will have to be met.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK will recognise a Palestinian state at a time when we judge it best serves the objective of peace. Bilateral recognition outside of the framework of a negotiated settlement would not end the occupation nor the problems that come with it. The UK is committed to a two-state solution leading to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state living alongside a safe and secure Israel.

*No heading*

lord scriven: Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Turkey regarding the reported use of plastic bullets and the breaking-up of the Gay Pride march in Istanbul for the third year in a row.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We are aware of reports that security forces allegedly used plastic bullets against protestors in Istanbul on 25 June following the banning of the Pride Istanbul march by the city authorities. We regularly raise with Turkey the need to fully protect fundamental rights, particularly in the areas of freedom of expression and assembly. We also encourage protection of the rights of LGBTI persons, and work closely with Turkish civil society organisations active in this area. Our Embassy in Ankara and Consulate in Istanbul were proud to fly the rainbow flag during Turkish Pride Week as a symbol of our support.

*No heading*

baroness northover: Her Majesty's Government what is their response to the UN Human Rights Council decision to investigate allegations of crimes by Myanmar's security forces against minority Rohingya Muslims.

baroness goldie: The British Government played an instrumental role in securing the UN Human Rights Council Resolution in March 2017 which established the Fact Finding Mission to assess alleged human rights violations in Rakhine. We will now work to ensure the Mission has a robust mandate and strong composition and will be urging the Burmese authorities to cooperate fully with it.The UK continues to seek an end to all violations and to prevent an escalation in violence, including against Rohingya Muslims. Human rights and democratic reform will remain at the heart of British policy towards Burma. We are committed to being a vocal advocate for change in Burma and will continue to press for action and to raise our concerns with the Burmese authorities.

*No heading*

baroness northover: Her Majesty's Government what is their response to the UN OHCHR report issued in February which found that Myanmar'smilitary committed atrocities during its crackdown on Rohingya Muslims last yearthat might amount to crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.

baroness goldie: We are deeply concerned by reports detailing human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State of Burma. These include the reports by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Burma and by a range of international human rights organisations. We are also concerned by the humanitarian situation facing the people in Rakhine with up to 70,000 refugees fleeing across the border into Bangladesh.With our International partners, we have co-sponsored a Resolution at the Human Rights Council in March 2017 which established a Fact Finding Mission to assess human rights violations in Rakhine. We urge the Burmese authorities to cooperate with the Mission as agreed by the Human Rights Council.The UK continues to seek an end to all violations of international law, and to prevent escalation, irrespective of whether these violations fit the definition of specific international crimes. Human rights and democratic reform will remain at the heart of British policy. We are committed to being a vocal advocate for change in Burma and continue to press for action at every opportunity to resolve issues of real concern.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the reported killing, destruction of homes and the seizure of land by Fulani militias in Northern Nigeria; who they believe to be the principal victims of those attacks; and how many people they believe to be affected.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We are deeply concerned by recurrent clashes involving pastoralists and local farmers over land, farming rights, grazing routes and access to water in Nigeria. These conflicts, which are exacerbated by climate change and population growth, cause immense suffering to both the pastoralist and farming communities in Central and Northern Nigeria. Due to the complex nature of the causes of these clashes which often take place in rural areas it is difficult to give accurate data on the number of people affected.Since 2011 through the Department for International Development's £39 million Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), the UK has supported a range of initiatives and economic projects designed to reduce such conflict and build bridges between communities across Nigeria, including in the Middle Belt. The NSRP is due to finish in September and will be reviewed.We regularly stress the importance of protecting human rights and reducing conflict to the Nigerian Government at the highest levels and we welcome President Buhari's commitment to prioritise ending these attacks. We continue to call on all parties to find a peaceful solution to the complex underlying causes of these incidents and will continue to work with the Nigerian Government, NGOs and civil society to improve the security situation and human rights for all the people of Nigeria.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Nigeria about reported atrocities committed by Fulani militias; and what assistance they plan to offer.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are deeply concerned by recurrent clashes involving pastoralists and local farmers over land, farming rights, grazing routes and access to water in Nigeria. These conflicts, which are exacerbated by climate change and population growth, cause immense suffering to both the pastoralist and farming communities in Central and Northern Nigeria. Due to the complex nature of the causes of these clashes which often take place in rural areas it is difficult to give accurate data on the number of people affected.Since 2011 through the Department for International Development's £39 million Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), the UK has supported a range of initiatives and economic projects designed to reduce such conflict and build bridges between communities across Nigeria, including in the Middle Belt. The NSRP is due to finish in September and will be reviewed.We regularly stress the importance of protecting human rights and reducing conflict to the Nigerian Government at the highest levels and we welcome President Buhari's commitment to prioritise ending these attacks. We continue to call on all parties to find a peaceful solution to the complex underlying causes of these incidents and will continue to work with the Nigerian Government, NGOs and civil society to improve the security situation and human rights for all the people of Nigeria.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government whether they will seek to place the persecution of religious minorities in countries like Pakistan and Nigeria onto the agenda for the next meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government; and whether they will prioritise in discussions the promotion of freedom of religion and belief.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Commonwealth is an immense force for good around the world, especially through its promotion of freedom, democracy, human rights, development and prosperity.The Commonwealth Summit which the UK will host in April 2018 will encourage all Commonwealth members to uphold the values set out in the Commonwealth Charter, including freedom of religion and belief. A key goal of the Summit will be to reinforce the Commonwealth’s commitment to the rules-based international system, based on members’ shared values of democracy, good governance, equality and the rule of law.

*No heading*

the lord bishop of southwark: Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Turkey, following the decision by the Turkish Minister of Religious Affairs to take part in prayers at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul on 21 June 2017, that Hagia Sophia will continue to be used as a cultural museum for all of Turkey's citizens rather than a place of Islamic worship.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We have not raised the recent Islamic prayers at Hagia Sophia with the government of Turkey. We recognise Hagia Sophia as a site of extraordinary historic and religious significance. It is therefore important that it is preserved in a way that respects its complex history and significance to many faiths. We regularly raise wider issues relating to fundamental freedoms of religion and expression with the Turkish government.

*No heading*

the lord bishop of southwark: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of freedom of religion and belief in Turkey.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We will continue to encourage Turkey to work towards the full protection of fundamental rights of all its citizens, including in the areas of freedom of religion, freedom of expression and minority rights. Freedom of religion continues to be a priority area for our bilateral projects in Turkey.

*No heading*

the lord bishop of southwark: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of recent reports that the Turkish Governor of Mardin has confiscated some 60 properties, including churches, monasteries and cemeteries.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​Our understanding of the situation is that legal changes to local government structures in Mardin, where many important Assyrian religious sites are found, resulted in 2012 in the transfer of the title deeds to some religious sites from local bodies to central government, and eventually to the Government's Directorate for Religious Affairs. Assyrian organisations are making legal appeals against these decisions. The British Embassy in Ankara will be closely following this process. We strongly support religious freedom in Turkey and have supported civil society organisations working in this area.

*No heading*

baroness tonge: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Archbishop of Canterbury's suggestion that Hamas be included in talks to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Our policy on Hamas remains clear: Hamas must accept long standing Quartet conditions and renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previously signed agreements. We call on those in the region with influence over Hamas to encourage them to take these steps. Whilst the UK has a policy of no contact with Hamas, it is ultimately a matter for the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to decide who should be involved in discussions to resolve the conflict. The UK supports a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

*No heading*

baroness tonge: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the increase in the level of pollution off the coast of Gaza reportedly due to the discharge of untreated sewage.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​While we have not made any assesssment on this issue, we are aware that a number of Israeli institutions and organisations have highlighted strong environmental concerns around water pollution and Gaza sewage. We also have concerns about Gaza's chronic power shortages, which have caused problems with water supply and sewage treatment.

*No heading*

baroness tonge: Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to (1)the Palestinian Authority,and (2) the government of Israel, following the reduction of electricity supply to Gaza to just 2.5 hours per day.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​Our Ambassador to Tel Aviv and our Consul-General to Jerusalem have raised our concerns with the Israeli authorities and the Palestinian Authority respectively over the situation in Gaza. The Minister for the Middle East raised the situation in Gaza with the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and the Israeli Ambassador to London on 22 and 23 June respectively.

*No heading*

baroness deech: Her Majesty's Government what representations have been made to the Palestinian Authority regarding the reported use of foreign aid to make payments to convicted terrorists and their families.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​No UK aid is used for payments to Palestinian prisoners or their families. UK financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA) contributes to the salaries of vetted public servants in the health and education sectors only. We have consistently raised prisoner payments at the highest levels with the PA and Palestine Liberation Organisation, and we continue to urge that these payments are more transparent, needs-based and affordable.

*No heading*

baroness deech: Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Palestinian Authority concerning the recent reported deaths of three babies in Gaza after the Palestinian Authority refused to grant permits for them to be treated in Israel.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​While we have not raised this specific issue with the Palestinian Authority (PA), our Consul-General to Jerusalem has raised our concerns recently with the PA over the situation in Gaza. We continue to press both the Government of Israel and the Government of Egypt to take measures that will help relieve the humanitarian suffering of those in Gaza. We have concerns about the difficulties facing Gazans in need of medical treatment.

Department for Exiting the European Union

*No heading*

lord taylor of warwick: Her Majesty's Government whether they intend that London-based EU agenciesshould remain located withinthe UK following Brexit.

baroness anelay of st johns: As the Chancellor has said, ultimately the location of the European Union’s agencies will be for the European Union.In the negotiations the Government will discuss with the EU and Member States how best to continue to cooperate in the field of medicines and banking regulation in the best interests of both the UK and EU.Attachment: Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health and Greg Clark, Secretary of State for business Financial Times letter 



Hunt and Clark FT letter
(PDF Document, 1.12 MB)

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Department for International Development

*No heading*

baroness tonge: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the preparations in place if Gaza were to become uninhabitable by 2020 as described in the report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development published in 2015.

lord bates: The UK Government is concerned by the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and it is vital that a further deterioration in living standards is avoided. We are working alongside international partners to make urgent improvements in infrastructure, economic opportunities, energy and water, to support vulnerable Gazans today and avoid a serious crisis in the future. However as the United Nations report makes clear, aid alone cannot solve the problems in Gaza. We continue to press all parties on the need for a sustainable political solution for Gaza which will address Israel’s legitimate security concerns whilst opening up movement and access. Resolving the current energy situation is a particular priority.

*No heading*

the earl of sandwich: Her Majesty's Government what assistance they have given following the Nepal earthquakeof 2015, both directly and through voluntary organisations; and how that compares to assistance given by other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries.

lord bates: The UK government is the second largest Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) contributor to the 2015 Nepal earthquake response, after Japan. The UK Government pledged £70m at the June 2015 International Conference for Nepal’s Recovery, which has been followed by a five year £83m reconstruction programme. We provided over 250,000 people with emergency shelter; over 200,000 people with winter including clothes, blankets and mattresses; and over 2000 hours of helicopter operations to reach communities inaccessible by road. Our assistance was provided via humanitarian delivery partners, including the use of volunteers by Voluntary Service Overseas, the Nepal Red Cross and the Nepal Scout Association.

*No heading*

the earl of sandwich: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number and quality of homes rebuilt following the Nepal earthquakeof 2015; which regions of Nepal have benefited from UK humanitarian assistance; and to what extent this assistance has been directed through non-governmental channels.

lord bates: The Government of Nepal reports that 29,689 homes have been rebuilt following the 2015 earthquake. We assess the number to have been larger but that many of these need additional work to be resilient to future earthquakes. UK humanitarian support was needs-based. Reconstruction support targeted four of the most affected districts: Dhading, Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Gorkha. Our response was coordinated with the government but channelled through non-government organisations (60%) and multilateral organisations.

*No heading*

lord hylton: Her Majesty's Government what provision exists for foreign young people, particularly in the Middle East and including refugees, to avail themselves of technical education and apprenticeships in the UK; and whether they consider the cost of this to be a proper use of development funds.

lord bates: DFID does not fund young people from overseas to undertake technical education or apprenticeships in the UK.DFID supports young people from developing countries of the Commonwealth to study in the UK through the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. Additionally, the FCO runs the Chevening scholarship scheme. Chevening is the UK government's international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders, including young people from the Middle East.

*No heading*

the lord bishop of southwark: Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, following the decision by the government of Israel to implement a request from the Palestinian Authority to reduce the flow of electricity supplies from Israel to Gaza.

lord bates: The UK is working closely with the UN to monitor the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We are also funding basic service delivery in Gaza through the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. We urge all the parties to find a sustainable solution to the current energy situation.

*No heading*

lord foulkes of cumnock: Her Majesty's Government when they expect the contract between the government of St Helena and SA Airlink, providing a new passenger air service, to be signed.

lord bates: The tender process is managed by the St Helena Government. On 9 June, the St Helena Government announced that SA Airlink had been chosen as the preferred bidder for the provision of a scheduled commercial air service to St Helena. A formal announcement on the contract award will be made once contract negotiations are complete.

*No heading*

lord foulkes of cumnock: Her Majesty's Government what requests have been made to SA Airlink in order to understand fully its business projection for the new passengerair service to St Helena.

lord bates: The process to procure an air service for St Helena is managed by the St Helena government and is ongoing. As part of that process, bidders were required to submit details of their business projections.

*No heading*

lord hylton: Her Majesty's Government whether theyintend toask the government of Turkey to provide access for humanitarian and re-construction supplies from Turkey into north-east Syria; and if not, why not.

lord bates: DFID-funded humanitarian partners are on the ground in north-east Syria delivering food, water, medical supplies and shelter to those in need. We discuss regularly the question of access to these areas from Turkey with the Government of Turkey.

Ministry of Justice

*No heading*

lord allen of kensington: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of deterrent sentences in reducing knife crime.

lord keen of elie: The government continues to monitor sentencing for bladed and offensive weapon offences and will keep under review the effectiveness of changes in the law relating to knives and offensive weapons. The latest knife possession sentencing quarterly statistics bulletin was published on 8 June 2017 and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/617646/knife-possession-sentencing-quarterly-jan-mar-2017.pdf In regard to repeat offending for knife possession offences, the latest statistics show that 86% of adult repeat offenders received a custodial sentence. This figure increased by 2 percentage points when compared to the same quarter in the previous year for offenders convicted under section 22 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (minimum sentence of 6 months for a second or subsequent knife possession offence). The number of repeat knife possession sentencing occasions increased from 837 in Q1 2016 to an estimated 1,129 cases Q1 2017. Those offenders receiving an immediate custodial sentence had an average sentence length of 7.2 months.



Knife Posession sentencing quarterly jan-mar 2017
(PDF Document, 387.05 KB)

Ministry of Defence

State Retirement Pensions

the duke of somerset: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have considered the longer-term advantages of selling surplus Ministry of Defence property by leasehold rather than freehold, and if so, what conclusions they have drawn.

lord west of spithead: To ask Her Majesty’s Government which government department is responsible for surveillance, production of a reorganised surface picture, and security, of the UK territorial seas.

baroness buscombe: The Government is committed to ensuring economic security for people at every stage of their life, including when they reach retirement. The Government is also clear that fairness between the generations must be maintained. We are committed to the Triple Lock for the remainder of this Parliament. Economic forecasts suggest that State Pensions will go up by at least 2.5% each year for the length of this Parliament and so maintaining the Triple Lock for this Parliament will cost no extra money. It is estimated that uprating the State Pension by a double lock (highest of earnings or inflation) from April 2020 would reduce State Pension expenditure by the following compared to the Triple Lock:(1) 0.03% of GDP in 2029/30;(2) 0.08% of GDP in 2039/40;(3) 0.13% of GDP in 2049/50; It is estimated that in 2066/67, uprating by a double lock would reduce State Pension expenditure by around 0.2% of GDP compared to uprating by the Triple Lock.

*No heading*

lord hylton: Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to take any action to prevent attacks by Turkey on Kurdish forces in Afrin Canton in northern Syria.

earl howe: Protecting the security of Turkey, as a key NATO Ally, will always be a top priority for the UK. Turkey is also a partner the Global Coalition to defeat Daesh and the UK welcomes previous Turkish actions which cleared the terrorists from its border. The Syrian Democratic Forces continue to make an important contribution to the Global Coalition's efforts to counter Daesh. Given the complex situation in northern Syria, we will continue to urge all actors to focus on the fight against Daesh, and to coordinate their action through the Coalition.

*No heading*

lord judd: Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to introduce a clear and coherent policy on the use of armed drones for counter-terrorism purposes, both within and outside areas of armed conflict.

earl howe: The UK's policy on using force overseas is clear. It will always be in line with international law and UK law, and bounded by UK rules of engagement, targeting directives and operational directives. The same law, policy and rigorous targeting process are adhered to whether the weapons platform is an armed Remotely Piloted Air System or a piloted aircraft. We have, and we will, exercise an inherent right to self-defence against both armed attacks and imminent threats of armed attack, in accordance with international law.

*No heading*

lord judd: Her Majesty's Government what arrangements they are introducing to ensure that the use of armed drones for counter-terrorism is capable of being subject to parliamentary scrutiny and accountability.

earl howe: The Government is not introducing arrangements specifically for armed Remotely Piloted Air Systems, above and beyond the existing parliamentary scrutiny and accountability for any use of force. Using force is subject to the same rigorous scrutiny, regardless of the weapons platform employed.

*No heading*

lord judd: Her Majesty's Government what is their policy on the development of autonomy in weapons systems; and what action they are taking to build consensus for international action to control the development and deployment of lethal autonomous weapons systems.

earl howe: Current UK policy is that the operation of weapon systems will always be under human control and that no planned offensive systems are to have the capability to prosecute targets without the involvement of a human. The UK considers the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) the right forum in which to discuss lethal autonomous weapons systems. The UK is a proactive State Party to the CCW and participates fully in discussions within the CCW.

Department for Work and Pensions

*No heading*

baroness thomas of winchester: Her Majesty's Government whether there is enough flexibility in the Personal Independence Payments criteria to allow for claimants with unusual conditions.

baroness buscombe: We are committed to ensuring that the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment works effectively for individuals with any health conditions or disability. This is achieved by measuring the impact on an individual’s ability to undertake a range of activities.

*No heading*

lord stoddart of swindon: Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Henley on 1 March concerning the Pensioners' Christmas Bonus (HL5502) what would the value of the £10 bonus be in real terms had the bonus been increased in line with the cost of living and increases in incomes.

baroness buscombe: The Christmas Bonus was introduced in 1972 and was £10. If it had been increased in line with the cost of living, in 2016 its current value would be approximately £133. If it had been increased in line with average earnings, in 2016 it would be approximately £202.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust

lord judd: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their policy towards the future of the European Youth Orchestra, and the role of the EU in its future.

lord judd: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what they regard as the main objectives of the forthcoming autumn UN Peacekeeping Conference.

lord o'shaughnessy: No decision has been made regarding the congenital heart disease service at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust. NHS England will make a decision on its proposals for changes to adult and children’s congenital heart services in England following consultation, which closes on 17 July 2017. The standards for congenital heart disease services were consulted upon and agreed by the board of NHS England in July 2015. The evidence base for the standards was published at the time and is available as part of the relevant board paper. The aim of these standards is to secure the best outcomes for all patients, including: - improved opportunities for survivors to lead better lives;- tackling variation in services, particularly to ensure resilient 24-hour, seven days a week care; and- improved patient experience. All of the standards, including those that refer to physical co-location of services, are based on expert clinical advice rather than published evidence, since research is not available to inform this aspect of service organisation.

*No heading*

lord storey: Her Majesty's Government how many UNESCO World Heritage sites there are in the UK; and where those sites are.

lord ashton of hyde: There are 31 World Heritage Sites for which the UK has responsibility. These are as follows: Blaenavon Industrial LandscapeBlenheim PalaceCanterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey, and St Martin’s ChurchCastles and Town Walls of King Edward in GwyneddCity of BathCornwall and West Devon Mining LandscapeDerwent Valley MillsDorset and East Devon CoastDurham Castle and CathedralFrontiers of the Roman EmpireGiant’s Causeway and Causeway CoastGorham’s Cave ComplexGough and Inaccessible IslandsHeart of Neolithic OrkneyHenderson IslandHistoric Town of St George and Related Fortifications, BermudaIronbridge GorgeLake DistrictLiverpool – Maritime Mercantile CityMaritime GreenwichNew LanarkOld and New Towns of EdinburghPalace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s churchPontcysyllte Aqueduct and CanalRoyal Botanic Gardens, KewSaltaireSt KildaStonehenge, Avebury and Associated SitesStudley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains AbbeyThe Forth BridgeTower of London

*No heading*

lord storey: Her Majesty's Government what support they give to current UNESCO World Heritage sites in the UK to enable them to keep this designation.

lord ashton of hyde: The UK Government is responsible for advising UK World Heritage Sites on compliance with the World Heritage Convention. It provides practical support in arranging and hosting UNESCO missions, and works closely with those UK World Heritage Sites that have specific issues and challenges, particularly around development activity. It submits documents and notifications on the UK World Heritage Sites at the request of the World Heritage Centre and Committee. It also represents the UK’s World Heritage Sites with the World Heritage Centre and its advisory bodies, and provides representation at the World Heritage Committee and World Heritage General Assembly.

Home Office

Innovative Medicines and Medical Technology Review

lord tebbit: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord O’Neill of Gatley on 12 May (HL8157) that "net migration remains too high and there is still more work to do", whether they will set out the details of the work to be done, and the date by which they expect it to have been completed; and when they now expect immigration to fall below 100,000 a year.

lord tebbit: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the reply by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 11 May (HL Deb, col 172), that the proposed Hinkley Point C power station "will provide reliable energy at an affordable cost", what is their estimate of that unit cost.

lord laird: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether someone in prison is defined as residing at home or in prison.

lord o'shaughnessy: In October 2016 the Accelerated Access Review set out a vision of faster patient access to 21st century medicines and medical technologies, making the United Kingdom a world leading place to design, develop and deploy medical innovations. The review made several recommendations to ensure that patients get new drugs and treatments faster while the National Health Service gets best value for money and remains at the forefront of innovation. The Government and its key delivery partners are reviewing the review’s recommendations and will respond in due course.

*No heading*

baroness uddin: Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to put in place a protocol with police, local authorities, and other emergency services, to respond to acid attacks.

baroness williams of trafford: We are working closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on the scale and nature of attacks with acid and other corrosive substances and how to respond to such attacks.

HM Treasury

Crimes of Violence: Acids

lord blencathra: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have plans to implement the suggested changes to the Tata pensioners pension fund to all public sector pensions.

baroness uddin: Her Majesty's Government whether NHS protocols for the management of acid attacks include the use of Diphotrine for the purposes of emergency treatment.

baroness uddin: Her Majesty's Government how they ensure that, in responding to acid attacks, first responders are adequately equipped to deal with (1)the immediate effects, and (2) the need to prevent prolonged physical damage.

baroness uddin: Her Majesty's Government whether NHS protocols for the management of acid attacks include the use of Diphotrine for the purposes of emergency treatment.

lord o'shaughnessy: Emergency medical technicians and paramedics operate to the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee Clinical Practise Guidelines 2016. This does not refer to the use of Diphoterine. Ambulance personnel would follow the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear advice in the guidelines to disrobe the patient and decontaminate with water.

*No heading*

lord taylor of warwick: Her Majesty's Government what measures have they put in place to ensure that investors have confidence in the UK economy.

lord bates: The government believes that balancing the public finances is key to ensuring confidence in the UK economy and delivering sustainable growth. The Industrial Strategy will support economic growth by increasing productivity and driving growth across the whole country. The government has announced over £23bn of additional investment in economic infrastructure, research and development, and housing. The government will also cut corporation tax to 17 per cent - the lowest rate in the G20.

Department for Energy and Climate Change

Animal Welfare: Sentencing

baroness featherstone: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much was spent on the civil nuclear police force last year, and what is the budgeted expenditure on the force for each of the next four years.

baroness goudie: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to make a multi-year funding commitment to the Education Cannot Wait fund for education in emergencies that represents an increase in real terms funding for education in humanitarian situations.

lord gardiner of kimble: The Secretary of State for Environment Food & Rural Affairs is responsible for determining the maximum penalties for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Any proposals to change the maximum penalties would require the approval of the Cabinet’s Social Reform (Home Affairs) sub-Committee. The Government keeps maximum penalties under review. This includes sentencing trends, and whether there is any evidence that the courts may be finding their sentencing powers inadequate. The last review was conducted in the context of the Government’s response to the House of Commons EFRA Committee report on animal welfare published on 2 February 2017 on EFRA website. Government noted in its response that the Sentencing Council has reviewed the magistrates’ court sentencing guidelines, including those in relation to animal cruelty cases. In their revised guideline, published on their website, the Sentencing Council aims to ensure that the most serious cases of animal cruelty receive appropriate severe sentences, within the available maximum penalty.

Cabinet Office

*No heading*

lord lexden: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bridges of Headley on 27 June 2016 (HL662), what progress has been made with their consideration of honorary titles for the spouses of women members of the House of Lords; and for same sex spouses and civil partners of members of the House of Lords.

lord young of cookham: The Government is sympathetic to those who are seeking to change the current system of courtesy titles, and has considered this complex issue. However, resolving this difficult matter is not a priority for the current Parliamentary session.

Department of Health

*No heading*

lord wigley: Her Majesty's Government how many mental health patients in England were sent away from their local area for treatment in each of the past three years for which figures are available.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Out of Area Placement (OAP) definition was agreed in October 2016. The latest data published on OAPs covers the period from 17 October 2016 to 30 April 2017. During that time 4,153 OAPs have been recorded as starting in England.

*No heading*

lord wigley: Her Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take to address the shortage of psychiatrists.

lord o'shaughnessy: A five year workforce plan to deliver the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health is currently being finalised by Health Education England (HEE) and will be published in due course. Analysis and development of the workforce strategy have been completed and HEE is now working with arm’s length body partners to agree the associated goals, trajectories, actions, and other deliverables associated with the implementation of the strategy.

*No heading*

lord wigley: Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to allow the prescription of the drug Orkambi for cystic fibrosis sufferers under the age of 12; and if not, why not.

lord o'shaughnessy: Orkambi does not have a marketing authorisation in the United Kingdom for use in the treatment of children aged under 12 with cystic fibrosis. Where clinically appropriate and subject to the relevant commissioner making funding available, Orkambi may be prescribed as an off-label drug. Off-label prescribing is supported in guidance given to prescribers by both the General Medical Council and by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

*No heading*

lord lansley: Her Majesty's Government whether a strategic commercial unit will be established within NHS England, as recommended in the Accelerated Access Review, and if so, when.

lord o'shaughnessy: Consistent with recommendations set out in the Accelerated Access Review, NHS England continues to develop its commercial capacity and capability in relation to medicines procurement as well as the negotiation of bespoke commercial access arrangements for high cost drugs. As part of this, the Commercial Medicines Unit transferred across from the Department to NHS England on 1 April 2017. NHS England is currently in the process of recruiting to a number of other key posts to support the commercial function more broadly.

*No heading*

lord scriven: Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the ruling by the Information Commissioner's Office on 3 July that the transfer of patient data from the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust to DeepMind was illegal, what guidance they will give to NHS trusts regarding the sharing of patient data.

lord o'shaughnessy: We expect to publish the Government’s response to the National Data Guardian’s review of data security, consent and opt-outs and the Care Quality Commission’s review Safe data, safe care shortly. This will provide information to the National Health Service and adult social care on sharing data in lawful, safe and secure ways. In addition we intend to publish summary guidance in the autumn on the current regulatory framework for NHS trusts and suppliers.

*No heading*

baroness uddin: Her Majesty's Government how they ensure that, in responding to acid attacks, first responders are adequately equipped to deal with (1)the immediate effects, and (2) the need to prevent prolonged physical damage.

baroness uddin: Her Majesty's Government how they ensure that, in responding to acid attacks, first responders are adequately equipped to deal with (1)the immediate effects, and (2) the need to prevent prolonged physical damage.

baroness uddin: Her Majesty's Government whether NHS protocols for the management of acid attacks include the use of Diphotrine for the purposes of emergency treatment.

baroness uddin: Her Majesty's Government whether NHS protocols for the management of acid attacks include the use of Diphotrine for the purposes of emergency treatment.

lord o'shaughnessy: Emergency medical technicians and paramedics operate to the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee Clinical Practise Guidelines 2016. This does not refer to the use of Diphoterine. Ambulance personnel would follow the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear advice in the guidelines to disrobe the patient and decontaminate with water.

*No heading*

lord laird: Her Majesty's Government what measures they are taking to reduce the level of smoking in bothindoor and outdoor public places.

lord o'shaughnessy: Legislation introduced in 2007 made it illegal to smoke in all public enclosed or substantially enclosed areas and workplaces. There are no current plans to introduce further smoke free legislation to outdoor places. Local authorities can however, consider adopting more extensive no smoking policies locally. Local authorities are best placed to do this working with its local population to develop flexible plans that suit the local area.

*No heading*

lord pendry: Her Majesty's Government how they intend to ensure that the UK's withdrawal from the EU does not jeopardise or undermine cross–border healthcare provision in Northern Ireland.

lord o'shaughnessy: As the Prime Minister said in her Article 50 letter we want to avoid a return to a hard border between the United Kingdom and Ireland and maintain the Common Travel Area (CTA) between us. We recognise that for the people of Northern Ireland and Ireland, the ability to move freely across the border is an essential part of daily life. There is a strong appetite on both sides of the border and in all parts of the UK to maintain the current status quo. The Government has been clear that there will be no immediate changes to our practices surrounding the CTA.